The Bermuda Women's National Team suffered a 4-1 defeat against Guatemala in their second CONCACAF W Qualifiers match, a difficult result compounded by an early goalkeeper injury and Guatemala's strong control of the match statistics.
Guatemala wasted little time establishing their dominance, taking a 1-0 lead in the fifth minute when María Monterroso scored. They quickly doubled their advantage in the 15th minute with a goal from Dina Polanco.
The challenge for Bermuda was compounded in the 26th minute when they were forced to make an early substitution due to injury, with goalkeeper Taya Rodrigues replaced by Sharifa Crockwell. Guatemala held the 2-0 lead at the break.
In the second half, Guatemala further extended their lead. Monterroso scored her second goal of the game in the 61st minute to make it 3-0, and Ana Lucía Martínez converted a penalty in the 77th minute to take the score to 4-0.
Bermuda managed to pull a goal back immediately in the 78th minute when Eva Frazzoni headed in a cross from Kenni Thompson, bringing the final score to 4-1.
Guatemala dominated the key statistical metrics of the match, they commanded 59.2% of possession compared to Bermuda's 40.8%.
Guatemala had 24 shots overall, with 12 shots on target, Bermuda had only 2 shots in the entire match, though both were on target.
The 4-1 defeat is a setback for Bermuda following their opening 4-0 win against the Cayman Islands, but they will look to recover in their remaining fixtures in March 2026.
Thursday, November 27, 2025
Bermuda Dominate Cayman Islands in Opener
IslandStats.com
Cayman Islands 0 Bermuda 4
The Bermuda Women's National Team launched their CONCACAF W Qualifiers campaign with a commanding 4-0 victory over the Cayman Islands in Grand Cayman, securing a crucial three points in their bid for qualification.
Cayman Islands Starting Line-up: - Ericia Burke, Clara De Quintal (Cayden Coles 46th), Shanice Monteith (Kaela Ebanks 61st), Shardaye Powell (Tessa Clark 46th), Harper Nelson (Tyanna Jan 62nd), Courtney Hicks, Brittni Ebanks, Chelsea Brown (Jada Dixon-Lam 85th), Reese Bateson, Tamoy Phillips, Olivia Ridley - Substitutes: - Lea Dos Santos Smith,, Neesah Godet,, Samira Mellaneo, Estella Ridley, Hayleigh Solomon, Naomi Wilson, Cosabella Windsor - Bermuda's Starting Line-up: - Taya Rodrigues, Victoria Davis, Danni Watson, Marley Christian, Koa Goodchild (Keunna Dill 46th), Zemira Webb, Jaden Masters (Jya Ratteray-Smith 77th), Khyla Brangman (Evans Welch 89th), Kenni Thompson, Eva Frazzoni (K’Shaela Burch-Waldron 77th), Nia Christopher (Jahni Simmons 72nd) - Substitutes: - Shantia Berkeley,, Marli Butterfield, Sharifa Crockwell, Amiya James, Robin Valana Pearman,,, Saony Trott,
Bermuda got off to the best possible start, taking a 1-0 lead just two minutes into the match when captain Eva Frazzoni scored with a header. The early pressure continued, and Bermuda doubled their advantage in the 13th minute with a strike from Kenni Thompson. The lead was extended to 3-0 just before the break in the 40th minute, as Jaden Masters found the back of the net after getting on the end of a cross from Thompson.
The second half saw Bermuda maintain control. The lead was increased to 4-0 in the 61st minute when Nia Christopher beat the advancing Cayman Islands goalkeeper to a through ball and calmly slid it home.
Bermuda dominated the statistics, controlling 69.8% of possession and registering 26 shots, with nine on target, in addition to six corner kicks. Seventeen-year-old debutant goalkeeper Taya Rodrigues had an assured performance, recording a clean sheet by making three saves from the five shots faced.
The dominant 4-0 victory provides Bermuda with an excellent foundation in the qualifying group.
Thursday, November 27, 2025
A Call to Arms for BERMUDIAN Future Sports Journalist
IslandStats.com
The time has come for Bermuda to make a concerted effort to cultivate and elevate its own talent within the realm of sports journalism. Having spent years climbing the media ranks and covering some of the world's most prestigious events—from the Olympics and Commonwealth Games to major regional tournaments like the Gold Cup and international rugby—one observation is consistently clear: Bermudian representation in the global press corps is often lacking.
While it has been a privilege to cover these events, reporting on international cricket, major games, and cups, the fact remains that for large portions of history, Bermudian stories, even those about Bermudian athletes, have largely been told by external voices.
I understand this suggestion may cause a minor ripple among some of my esteemed overseas journalist friends, whose professional expertise is invaluable. However, I believe the discussion now needs to focus inward, on the broad and exciting future we have already built on the island.
We must actively encourage young Bermudians who possess a passion for sport to get involved in the media profession.
The impact of a Bermudian reporter goes beyond merely recording scores. It ensures that the sacrifices, the unique challenges of training on a small island, and the cultural significance of both local and international triumphs are conveyed with a depth that only a local can provide.
It is time to invest in, mentor, and trust this next generation of storytellers. We must encourage them to step up to the mic, to command the press box, and to truly fly. The future of Bermudian sports coverage, and the inspiration it provides to future athletes, rests on them.
The presence of Bermudian sports journalists covering major sporting events, seeing a familiar face or hearing a local voice in the media centre of an international tournament can transform an abstract career dream into an achievable reality to pick up a pen, microphone, or camera.
1. Creating Accessible Role Models
The most powerful impact of a Bermudian journalist covering a major event is the creation of a relatable role model.
Validating the Career Path: Seeing a fellow Bermudian accredited at the Olympics, the Commonwealth Games, or a European football ground demystifies the profession. It breaks down the perception that such roles are exclusive to large international media centres, proving that skills developed on the island can compete globally.
Encouraging Engagement: Young people are more likely to pursue careers where they see people who look and sound like them succeeding. This visibility is a crucial first step in tackling the "I don't know where to start" barrier often cited by those interested in media careers.
2. Ensuring Authentic Local Storytelling
Local media professionals are uniquely positioned to understand the true context and emotional weight of Bermudian sporting narratives.
Cultural Nuance: A Bermudian journalist understands the specific sacrifices, triumphs, and challenges inherent to training on a small island. They can convey the deep cultural significance of events like Cup Match, or the personal journey of an athlete who overcame geographical limitations.
Shifting the Narrative: Their coverage ensures that local athletes, regardless of their international ranking, receive the attention and thoughtful analysis they deserve, which is vital for building community pride and inspiring younger athletes at the grassroots level.
3. Building the Island's Media Infrastructure
By participating in both local and international events, Bermudian journalists develop high-level skills and create invaluable networks that benefit the entire media ecosystem.
By supporting Bermudian talent in the media box, the island is actively investing in a future where its stories are told with passion, accuracy, and an authentic local voice.
Wednesday, November 26, 2025
Queen Ethelburga's Pride as James Heads to Qualifiers
IslandStats.com
Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate is celebrating an outstanding achievement for one of its Year 12 footballers, Amiya James, as she prepares to represent Bermuda in the upcoming CONCACAF W Qualifiers.
James's selection for the Bermuda national team marks a significant milestone in her young sporting career. Playing at the senior international level is a major step forward, and the school community has rallied behind her.
Queen Ethelburga's is expressing immense pride in the Bermuda international, stating that her call-up is an "outstanding achievement and an inspirational moment" for all students at the school.
As James headed off to join the Bermuda squad for the qualifiers, the school offered its full support, saying: "We are all behind her and wish her every success."
The experience of competing in the CONCACAF W Qualifiers will provide James with crucial exposure to high-level international football, an opportunity that will undoubtedly contribute to her development both as a player and as a leader.
Monday, November 24, 2025
The Unfinished Honour Why Best Awaits Knighthood
IslandStats.com
As excitement builds for the upcoming film, The Beautiful Game, which chronicles the groundbreaking career of Clyde Best, a persistent question remains in his native Bermuda: why has the man who changed the trajectory of global football yet to receive his country's highest order of merit?
Clyde Best is globally recognised as one of the first black players to compete in the First Division of English football. As a powerful striker for West Ham United between 1968 and 1976, Best scored 47 goals and established himself as a fan favourite at Upton Park despite facing persistent racist chanting from the terraces. His strength, skill, and toughness embodied the traditional English centre-forward role, making him difficult to dispossess and formidable in the air.
Best's impact transcended sport, pioneering a path for generations of black footballers in England and around the world.
Bermuda honored the first Olympic Gold Medal winner with the highest Order of Merritt for a Female, but the Bermudian who made an impact on the World is still not fully respected in his own country that he walks today!
Best was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in January 2006. However, for many years, fans, politicians, and the public have questioned why he has not been elevated to a Knighthood, the highest honour available to a Bermudian through the British honours system.
Bermudians are regularly nominated for a range of honours awarded by The King, including MBEs, OBEs, CBEs, The Order of Merit, and The Order of St Michael and St George. Despite this annual nomination process and almost two decades having passed since his MBE was announced, the question remains unanswered.
The lack of explanation as to "why not" lies within a specific government room in Bermuda, and successive governments have failed to provide a clear answer to the people. The anticipation for his film, The Beautiful Game, now serves as a potent reminder that while the world celebrates his legacy, his home country continues to face a difficult question regarding his formal recognition.
